Cold Weather Tips
- Upgrade your heating system. Homeowners who have older Oilheat systems can lower their fuel costs by 30 percent or more by installing a new, high-efficiency system. The savings provide a remarkable return on investment that keeps paying off year after year - every time the weather turns cold (and in our neck of the woods, that's a lot!).
- Have your heating system tuned up annually. A well-tuned boiler or furnace burns 5 percent less fuel.
- Insulate your hot water tank. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends that you insulate the tank or water heater and the first six feet of hot water pipe.
- If you have a furnace, clean or replace the air filter once a month to ensure the best airflow and efficiency.
- Make sure that furniture or draperies do not block vents.
- Open shades, blinds, curtains and drapes during the daytime and close them when the sun goes down.
- Seal off your attic-circulating fan with polyethylene and tape.
- Wrap your pipes to guard against heat loss and prevent them from freezing.
- Avoid using space heaters. They're expensive to operate and can be dangerous.
